Your voice for week of Nov. 23-29

Any time I have a problem or billing question, I call the number on my bill and never get a response. I am super frustrated, not sure I can drink my water and have no idea why they dug up my driveway and put in this meter. They left my driveway a mess as well. A public utility should actually inform the public and be held accountable for their actions or lack of communication.

Heather Clemons

Parkdale

Giving thanks

I’m giving thanks this week for all the good news I just read in the Nov. 16 issue of Columbia Gorge News. “Read all about it:” The profound apology and accountability of American Legion Post 22; the fact that federal housing official Margaret Salazar hails from Odell; the Hood River County Prevention Services’ latest efforts; the honoring of veterans; strong efforts in land use planning; investments in education by Google and by local foundations; Oregon’s latest creativity with Medicaid that will benefit our region’s “Gorge Grown” program and all its clients; MCEDD’s national award; the Pride Alliance’s celebration; current exploration of using electric school buses; area outreach to adults and children for upcoming holidays; youth sports teams, academic stars and Special Olympics bowlers garnering recognition; new historical and student art exhibits; and more.

In so many of these stories, our demographic diversity and the enrichment of our communities by immigrants and their families come increasingly to light. We have our challenges in the Mid-Columbia, but we also have a lot of great people doing great things. I’m glad to say this is my home, and am thankful to my neighbors.

Tina Castañares

Hood River

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Columbia Gorge News encourages readers to submit letters to the editor for the weekly opinion page. Letters on all topics are welcome.

Writers must include their name and hometown (for publication) and daytime phone number (for verification, not for publication). Letters from an agency or group must be credited to the author or a contact person. Anonymous or “name withheld by request” letters are not accepted.

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Letters are published as space allows, and efforts are made each week to provide as much space as possible.

Deadline for letters is noon on the Friday prior to publication.

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The opinions expressed in letters are “Your Voice,” and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Columbia Gorge News, its staff, publisher or advertisers.

Letters may be submitted online at www.ColumbiaGorgeNews.com: Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Submission Forms,” then select “Letter to the Editor.” Letters also may be sent directly via email to letters@gorgenews.com.